Timur Aliyev, 2007 South Carolina State Champion

The South Carolina State Championship, an open event, was held on Oct. 26 – 28 in Columbia, S.C. Timur Aliyev of Columbia, S.C., and Andrey Chumachenko of Charlotte, N.C., tied for first place in the tournament with 4.5 out of five games. The state title, for the second year in a row, is held by Aliyev who is a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. (Check out 2007 Championships for the cross tables.)

Scholastic Prizewinners were: Daniel Dodds (16) of Blythewood, S.C., who won the U1400 Section trophy; Ebbie Yazdani of Irmo, S.C., who won the U1400 Section Runner-up trophy Jonathan Sarasua (13) of Clemson, S.C., who won the Top Junior trophy; Geoff Grimaud (17) of Chapin, S.C., who won the Top Junior Runner-up trophy; and Zachary Templeton (15) of Clemson, S.C., tied for second in the U1800 section.

In conjunction with the championship, the South Carolina State Association held its annual meeting, electing the following officers to one year terms: David Grimaud (Chapin, S.C.) – President; Dr. Mickey Lauria (Clemson, S.C.) – Vice President; Bill Taylor (Aiken, S.C.), Secretary; and David Causey (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.) – Treasurer.

Dr. Robert John McCrary was completely surprised when he was given the state’s prestigious “Dr. M. Lee Hyder Award” to a rousing ovation. This award for meritorious service is given out on rare occasions to individuals that exhibit the dedication, hard work, sacrifice, and steadfast determination modeled by Dr. Hyder during his long career serving his local club, the SCCA, and the USCF.

Picture and report by David Grimaud. Thanks David!

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